B. Sage and M. Liddane, Nautical Enterprise Centre Ltd.

Shipping and related maritime activities are an intrinsically global industry. Increasingly, several nations may be represented and involved in the logistical operation of trade involving a single product from the point of manufacture to the end customer. The extensive nature of maritime activities means that many regulatory instruments and legal principles apply and affect the industries involved.
 
The maritime sector is regulated by a number of entities and the interaction between the national, European and international institutions is a complex subject area. This study examines the interaction between international and European institutions and their respective powers in implementing legislative instruments in the maritime sector; reference is made to representative sample of international conventions of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and relevant EU (European Union) regulations and directives pertaining to maritime transport and regulation enforcement.
 
Specific  legislative instruments addressed include:

  Carriage of Goods and Insurance Law,
  Employment Law, Competition Law,
  Taxation Law,
  Environmental Law
  Navigation Law.

These themes represent key topics of research relevant to stakeholders. The current study illustrates the up-to-date position of the law in each subject area chosen. The study does not analyse case law or judgments, nor does it provide a critique on objections to any of the legal measures in place or proposals for future amendments. The objective is to provide the foundation for further research which will enable greater analysis for future policy initiatives.